Beech Lick Knob
Approximate Size: 6,200 acres
Location: Rockingham County, Virginia in the North River District
Topos: Fulks Run, Cow Knob
Beech Lick Knob is one of the largest roadless tracts on the GWNF that the Forest Service failed to include in its official inventory of roadless areas. Elevations here range from 1650 to 3150 feet, with a great diversity of topography. Drainages include Sumac, Liars, Root, Stony, Martin Lick, Marshall, and Carr Runs. Ridges and peaks include Clover Lick, Beech Lick, White Grass, and Wetzel Knobs; Carr, Little, and Snake Hollow Mountains; and First, Middle, and Third Points.
A very large area of "semi-primitive" acreage occurs here where visitors can experience solitude and serenity. There are 4241 acres of possible old growth.
FDR 235A along Root Run is a closed, low-maintenance, grassed-over, little used road that goes into the interior of the area for about 1.5 miles. Blue Hole campground is near the northeastern boundary of the area.
Our proposed Beech Lick Knob Wilderness Area is much smaller than the "potential wilderness area" boundary defined by the Forest Service, to accomodate trail and other access and mineral issues. The Beech Lick Knob western boundary should be adjusted to the recently scoped Carr Mountain Trail. This trail is a critical link in the Great Eastern Trail and mountain biking will be allowed on the trail when it is completed. Additionally, FDR 302 (Grove Hollow Road) will remain outside the wilderness boundary.
To eliminate the mineral rights issues we recommend that the minerals rights located on the western edge of the area be removed from the wilderness proposal. Also, perimeter areas of historic timber management surrounding the core area are outside the proposed wilderness boundary.
All private land-owner rights and access will be maintained.